Zenzile Pheko credits back-to-back 10km podiums to hard work

The 21-year-old Boxer Running star has claimed back-to-back second-place finishes in the Absa Run Your City 10km races in Tshwane and Joburg.

He also won the national 10km cross-country title in the past few weeks.

Pheko pushed Kabelo “Mr Podium” Mulaudzi all the way in the Joburg race, stopping the clock at 28:52 to help produce an all-South African one-two finish.

He says his journey in the Run Your City series has been a learning experience.

“I feel so good because in my first ever Run Your City race, I finished fifth. That gave me hope and helped me believe that one day I can get closer to the winner. In Durban, I finished 21st because I had a back problem. I then decided to double my efforts in training until I got it right in Tshwane,” he told SABC Sport.

READ: Glenrose Xaba one win away from becoming Grand Prix queen

Pheko says his second-place finish in Tshwane gave him the confidence to challenge for another podium in Joburg.

“I started to gain more belief and knew that I could be a contender here in Joburg. I was not sure where I would finish because our training was a little bit hard, but when I followed Kabelo, I knew I could hold on to second place.”

Mulaudzi congratulated his clubmate and believes Pheko has a special talent.

Pheko, however, remains humble and says training alongside Mulaudzi has helped him improve.

“Kabelo and I have done a lot of track sessions in Alexandra. He motivated me to push hard and told me that I am coming up.

“Everything requires discipline and patience, and listening to the coach so that I can maintain my form. I credit my excellent run to consistency and hard work.”